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Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Paul's Filibuster Follows Best Traditions of Senate

Kentucky Senator Rand Paul at this hour is now closing in on his ninth hour of filibuster in the U.S. Senate on the nomination of John Brennan for CIA Director.

Usually, this blog would be attacking Paul for gridlocking the Senate and another Obama appointee, but I'm actually going to agree with him on this one.

Why you ask? Paul rose and has been speaking out about the possible ability of President of the United States to kill Americans on American soil that might be seen as a terrorist threat without due process. One example would be for the President to order a drone strike against an American citizen on American soil.

I find it hard to believe that President Obama would utilize deadly force in that manner, and, in a letter from Eric Holder to Paul, the administration said as much. The letter did leave wiggle room, and I think it is important to clarify these policies for the future and for future Presidents of the United States. Paul also is addressing the use of drones over U.S. soil. I oppose that measure without a judge issuing a warrant.

These are important questions, and I salute Senator Paul for rising and bringing attention to this critical issue. I also salute Senator Paul for actually using a "speak until one cannot speak more" filibuster.